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The emergency services are dealing with a chemical explosion in Burscough
Three people have suffered serious burns in an explosion at a waste management plant in West Lancashire.
Sixty firefighters were called to PHS waste management in Tollgate Road, Burscough, at about 1000 BST.
One of the casualties has been airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital. The other two were taken by road ambulance to Whiston Hospital.
It is not clear what kind of chemicals are involved but gas tests on the smoke have found it is low toxicity.
An ambulance service spokeswoman said the three casualties had suffered burns to their faces and hands.
'Everything shook'
Police have cordoned off the estate and have advised people to avoid the area.
Smoke has been seen from as far away as six miles (9.7km).
Philip Hattersley, who works on an industrial estate, said: "There was a really loud bang and then everything just shook - it was like an earthquake really.
"I went outside and there were really big mounds of smoke just coming out of the building which is about 100yds away.
"All the industrial estate has been evacuated so no-one can get in or get out."
This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
The emergency services are dealing with a chemical explosion in Burscough
Three people have suffered serious burns in an explosion at a waste management plant in West Lancashire.
Sixty firefighters were called to PHS waste management in Tollgate Road, Burscough, at about 1000 BST.
One of the casualties has been airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital. The other two were taken by road ambulance to Whiston Hospital.
It is not clear what kind of chemicals are involved but gas tests on the smoke have found it is low toxicity.
An ambulance service spokeswoman said the three casualties had suffered burns to their faces and hands.
'Everything shook'
Police have cordoned off the estate and have advised people to avoid the area.
Smoke has been seen from as far away as six miles (9.7km).
Philip Hattersley, who works on an industrial estate, said: "There was a really loud bang and then everything just shook - it was like an earthquake really.
"I went outside and there were really big mounds of smoke just coming out of the building which is about 100yds away.
"All the industrial estate has been evacuated so no-one can get in or get out."
This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.